Should They Play?The parents' guide to apps and games

Should I let my child play Donkey Kong Bananza?

10+

Yes

From age 10. It's a smash-everything adventure with no chat with strangers and nothing made by other players.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a bright, chaotic adventure that's great fun to play together. PEGI rates it 7, but ESRB rates it 10 and over for its cartoon fighting, and we follow the highest rating. Online, a second player can only join through Nintendo's voice chat, which stays off for under-16s until a parent sets it up for approved friends, so strangers can't play or talk with your child. The only extra cost is an optional paid expansion, and Nintendo lets you restrict spending.

Donkey Kong Bananza passes all 7 safety checks. See how we decided, and the official age ratings

Last checked . Donkey Kong Bananza is made by Nintendo and runs on Nintendo Switch 2.

What is Donkey Kong Bananza?

Donkey Kong Bananza is a 3D adventure where Donkey Kong punches and smashes his way through underground worlds to find golden bananas. A second player can join in as his helper, on the same console or online with friends.

Our advice by age

Under 10
NoESRB rates it 10 and over for its cartoon fighting, and we follow the highest rating. PEGI rates it 7, so it's mild, and playing as the helper together is a gentle way to see if it suits them.
10 and over
YesYes. Playing together on one console is a great way to start.

What to watch out for

  • Cartoon fightingRisk is low by default, low with controls on

    Donkey Kong punches enemies and smashes everything around him. It's slapstick, with no blood.

  • Online playRisk is low by default, low with controls on

    A second player can join online only through Nintendo's voice chat, which needs your approval for under-16s and a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership.

  • CostsRisk is low by default, low with controls on

    A paid expansion adds a new island and a timed mode. Nintendo's spending restrictions stop anything being bought without you.

What's good about it

  • Two can play together on one console
  • No chat with strangers
  • No content made by other players
  • Rewards exploring and experimenting

How to set it up safely

Required steps are the conditions of our verdict. If you can't do them, our answer is no. Takes about ten minutes. Do it with your child so they know what's switched on and why.

  1. Set up Nintendo's parental controls with a PINRecommended

    Use the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. Only someone with the PIN can change the settings.

  2. Decide on voice chatRecommended

    GameChat stays off for under-16s until you set it up. If you allow it, approve only friends your child knows in real life.

  3. Restrict spendingRecommended

    Set a spending restriction, so the expansion and other purchases need you.

  4. Set a daily time limitRecommended

    The Parental Controls app can pause the game when time's up.

Recent news

  1. DK Challenge adds limited-time trials across Donkey Kong Bananza & classic gamesShacknews

    Nintendo ran a summer challenge event for Nintendo Switch Online members, which ended on 1 September.

Common questions

What age is Donkey Kong Bananza suitable for?

10 and over. PEGI rates it 7, but ESRB rates it 10 and over for its cartoon fighting, and we follow the highest rating.

Is it OK for a 7-year-old?

We'd wait until 10, because ESRB rates it E10+. The content is mild (PEGI 7), so if they play as the helper alongside you, you'll quickly see whether it suits them.

Can strangers talk to my child in Donkey Kong Bananza?

No. There's no typed chat, and online co-op only works through Nintendo's voice chat, which is off for under-16s unless you set it up for friends you approve.

Does it cost money after buying it?

Only the optional expansion, and Nintendo Switch Online for online co-op. Set a spending restriction so nothing is bought without you.

What would change your verdict?

Chat with strangers being added, or official action against Nintendo over child safety. We re-check every review at least every three months.